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Guidance and Counseling

Notes 23.7 Advantages of Cognitive Approach

1. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies are very instructive : When clients / patients understand
how to counsel themselves rationally, they have confidence that they will continue to do well.
For this reason, cognitive-behavioral therapists teach their clients rational self-counseling skills.
2. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies are shorter-term : The average number of sessions that people
spend in cognitive-behavioral therapy, across the various approaches to CBT and problems, is
16. There are those people who require more sessions (sometimes many more), but the average
is 16 session.
3. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies emphasize getting better, rather than feeling better : By
correcting problematic underlying assumptions, CBT creates long-term results since the cause
of the problem is corrected.
4. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies are cross-cultural : They are based on universal laws of human
behavior. They also focus on the client’s goals, rather than attempting to impose the therapist’s
goals on the client.

5. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies can be researched : The structured nature of therapy sessions
very much reduces the possibility that sessions will become “chat sessions” in which not much
is accomplished therapeutically.
6. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies can be researched : Because there are clearly defined goals
and clearly defined techniques, CBT can be examined with scientific research.
7. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies are adaptive : The fundamental principle of CBT is that
thoughts (cognitions) cause our feelings and behaviors.

23.8 Disadvantages of Cognitive Approach

In order to benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) you need to ensure that you give a
considerable level of commitment and involvement.
Due to the structured nature of CBT, it may not be suitable for people who have more complex
mental health needs, or learning difficulties.
Some critics of CBT argue that because the therapy only addresses current problems, and focuses on
very specific issues, it does not address the possible underlying causes of ental health conditions,
such as an unhappy childhood.

Self Assessment
2. State whether the following state ments are ‘true’ or ‘false’ :
(i) The Collaborative style means that clients are actively involved in changing.
(ii) Cognitive behavioural therapy is not an appropriate treatment for depression.
(iii) Negative, dysfunctional thinking affects a person’s mood of self, behavior and even physical
state.
(iv) Cognitive behavioural therapy is a miracle cure.

23.9 Summary

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (also known by its abbreviation, CBT) is a short-term, goal-
oriented psychotherapy treatment that takes a hands- on, practical approach to problem-solving.
Its goal it to change patterns of thinking or behavior that are behind people’s difficulties, and
so change the way they feel. It is used to help treat a wide range of issues in a person’s life,
from sleeping difficulties or relationship problems, to drug and alcohol abuse or anxiety and
depression.

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